In a significant development to a brutal daylight shooting, Belizean authorities have formally charged 27-year-old laborer Benyati Brandon with murder and attempted murder. The charges stem from a February 3rd incident in La Democracia Village that claimed the life of 21-year-old Paul Smith Jr. and injured 24-year-old Tyrece Lewis Allen.
The fatal encounter occurred around 10:30 a.m. when Smith was ambushed in what family members describe as a targeted attack. Relatives confirmed the victim had been out of prison for less than six months following his acquittal in a high-profile 2022 murder case, though he had previous encounters with law enforcement.
Emotional testimony from Smith’s cousin, Tamara Gillett, revealed deep-seated familial tensions that may have contributed to the tragedy. “They laid wait for him in the bush on the second lane,” Gillett stated, explaining that Smith had been in the area to meet his girlfriend following a recent altercation.
Police investigation utilized surveillance footage from the area, which ultimately led to Brandon’s apprehension. The suspect was transported from Hattieville to Belize City Magistrate’s Court, where he faced arraignment before Chief Magistrate Deborah Rogers. Represented by defense attorney Orson “OJ” Elrington, Brandon was denied bail due to the severity of the charges and remanded to Belize Central Prison until his next court appearance scheduled for May 18, 2026.
The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about violent crime and cyclical violence within communities, particularly involving individuals with previous justice system involvement.